The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fish production

  • Fed Govt seeks collective efforts on fish production roadmap

    Fed Govt seeks collective efforts on fish production roadmap

    Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is partnering with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to accelerate national fish production and close Nigeria’s estimated 2.2 million metric ton supply gap through a coordinated policy that will produce a National Fish Production Acceleration Roadmap (NFPAR).

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day Round Table Discussion on Accelerating National Fish Production in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the collaboration with NIPSS marked a critical step in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, job creation, and economic diversification.

    “Current output meets only about 38.9 per cent of the 3.6 million metric tons of fish required annually; this leaves a deficit of over 2.2 million metric tons, forcing Nigeria to rely heavily on imports. This trend is unsustainable — economically, nutritionally, and environmentally,” Oyetola said.

    He said the round table aims to produce a National Fish Production Acceleration Roadmap that will guide strategic investments and reforms in the fisheries and aquaculture subsector.

    He noted that new policies and legal frameworks, including the Fisheries Bill and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, are being developed to strengthen sustainability and governance.

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    He also highlighted digital reforms within the Ministry, including the automation of fisheries operations and the establishment of a Blue Data Bank in partnership with the World Bank’s PROBLUE Programme. He said initiatives such as the Green Money Project are already empowering youth and women to engage in aquaculture through input support and training.

    In his address, Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting evidence-based policymaking that can help Nigeria achieve fish self-sufficiency. He said NIPSS would continue to work with the ministry to translate the outcomes of the round table into actionable strategies.

    The two-day forum, which has experts, operators and other stakeholders in attendance, is expected to generate recommendations that will inform national policy and investment decisions aimed at boosting fish production, reducing imports, and promoting sustainable growth within Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

  • ‘Nigeria eyes 2.5m tons of fish production yearly’

    ‘Nigeria eyes 2.5m tons of fish production yearly’

    A former Researcher at the Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Prof Mabel Ipinmoroti, has said marine economy has potential to make Nigeria reach 2.5million tons of fish production yearly.

    While delivering an inaugural lecture at Osun State University, Osogbo campus, she noted that the marine economy is viable to ensure food security and provide job opportunities for youths.

    Lamenting over lack of control of the vast coastline, she said: “Nigeria has a coastline of 835km, jurisdiction over 227,200square km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), following the approval of additional 20NM to the existing 200NM, and extensive delta area of 7,415square km, the largest in Africa hosting 5,048km square area of mangrove forest for capture fisheries as well as an inland area of 1.75million ha and 500,000ha around the creeks suitable for fish culture, can attain sustainability in fish production through effective management.

     “Obviously and undoubtedly, the coastal and inland water resources of Nigeria need serious attention. There is need for full and urgent restoration.”

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    The don recommended that government must be funding regular data collection and adoption of integrated approach for the restoration and management of the fisheries resources of Nigeria.

     “States and local governments should get involved actively in the management of the resources. Most of the water bodies belong to them and their little efforts here and there will cumulate to success.

     “There is no uniform law for Inland waterways fisheries. Most States do not have laws or regulations for governing their waters, this must be changed to achieve sustainability in fish production,” she said.

    Prof Ipinmoroti advocated for cleaning of water due to different types of pollution and an enlightenment campaign against indiscriminate waste disposal in the waterway.

  • Fish production will boost GDP, says NIOMR, trains 70 fish farmers

    Fish production will boost GDP, says NIOMR, trains 70 fish farmers

    The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) has projected the Federal Government policy on agricultural, food security and aquaculture value chain production is capable of contributing over 13 percent significant growth to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the next five years.

    The Director of Training, NIOMR, Sule Abiodun PhD, stated this at an empowerment and training workshop for 70 farmers on fish production value Chain in Delta State.

    According to the Director, who was represented by Dr Olaji Ebenezer, “aquaculture and agriculture currently contributes over 24% to the nation’s GDP, and it will be boosted with the current Federal Government renewed hope commitment in driving economic diversification, food security and improved nutrition through enhanced aquaculture value chain production and marine economy.”

    The training programme which ended on Friday September 27 in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, attracted participants from the three major Local Government Areas of Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Ukwuani of the State.

    Olaji, who also represented the programme coordinator, said the training would expose participants on fish breeding, fish production value chain, the economy of fish farming, production and marketing.

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    Seasoned resource persons in the sector trained participants all they need to know about fish farming and how they can tap into the lucrative fish market to become not just self-reliant, but to ensure they become employers of labour.

    Representative of the State Government and Project Facilitator, High Chief Ogbuefi Eric Anigala, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ED/CEO of NIOMR, Dr Sule Abiodun for pushing for a renewed focus on innovation and research in aquaculture to improve livelihood of Nigerians and to boost the fight against poverty, hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria.

    The community youth leader of Kwale, Hon. Azubuike Ejechi, expressed appreciation to the federal government for the opportunity on behalf of participants, adding that fish production value chain training and empowerment were important aquaculture business commodities that are very important for households income as well as the economic survival of youths and women.

    Two participants, Ms Sylverline Okwuelum, and Amede Edith said the training was timely, adding the knowledge they acquired would further expand their capacity in fish farming business.

    The Programme which was sponsored by the Federal Government, was implemented by the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research through the Project Consultant Messrs Gakfaws.

    Highpoint of the programme was the presentation of certificates to participants.